2013 Lincoln MKZ Concept Becomes A Reality [Video]

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ is getting closer to production. Ford unveiled a concept of the redesigned Lincoln in January at the Detroit auto show and this week they unveiled a pre-production model that will go on sale later this year.

Ford is hoping that the 2013 Lincoln MKZ can revive the company’s struggling luxury market. Ford Americas President Mark Fields said that he has high hopes for the Lincoln MKZ but acknowledged that Ford has a long way to go to bring back its luxury line. Fields said:

“(Lincoln is) a brand with a history, but also a future…. We realize that the Lincoln strategy is going to roll out over a number of years… We realize we have a long journey in front of us.”

Detroit News reports that the new MKZ will be available later this year. Ford will be producing a hybrid version and a traditional gas version. The new MKZ will be released later this year in both a hybrid version and a traditional powertrain.

Fields said that the company decided to make the MKZ available as a hybrid because Ford believes “that the price of gasoline will continue to rise over time” and that it’s important to produce cars with good MPG.

USA Today notes that the hybrid version isn’t the only high-tech aspect of the MKZ. The “infotainment center” includes Ford’s Sync and MyLincoln touch and voice systems with a 10-inch screen. The car also has 11 standard audio speakers that can be upgraded to a THX-certified surround system. The car also has several cameras that can assist a driver with changing lanes and backing up. There is also a radar based adaptive cruise control as well as a collision warning and brake assist.

Ford said that the MKZ should get about 33 MPG on the highway. The hybrid version, which hasn’t been rated, is expected to be the leader in the class with an estimated 41 mpg city and 35 highway.

Here are a few images of the 2013 Lincoln MKZ.

Here’s another look at the new Lincoln.